Geography of Atlanta

The Geography of Atlanta covers an area of 132.4 square miles (342.9 km²). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. The city sits among the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It stands at an elevation of 1,050 feet (320 m) above sea level, making it the highest major city east of the Mississippi River. Because of this height, Atlanta experiences cooler temperatures compared to other cities at similar latitudes.

Atlanta is located on the Eastern Continental Divide. This means that rainwater on the south and east side of the city flows toward the Atlantic Ocean, while water on the north and west side flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The city rests on a ridge south of the Chattahoochee River, which is part of the larger ACF River Basin. Near the northwestern edge of Atlanta, the natural habitat along the river is protected in places such as the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

Climate

The climate of Atlanta and its surrounding areas is humid subtropical, with four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cool and sometimes cold. The city can grow many different plants.

Summers in Atlanta are long, hot, and humid. Average temperatures in July are around 80°F, and it can get even hotter. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer. Winters are milder, with average January temperatures around 43°F. Snow is rare but can happen between December and March.

Atlanta gets a lot of rain during the year. Spring and early fall are usually drier. The city gets more rain than places like Seattle because of frequent thunderstorms and occasional tropical storms. The area's geography affects the weather, with temperature changes across the region and influences from nearby mountains and valleys.

Environmental issues

Atlanta has had problems with air quality. In 2007, it was one of the cities with a lot of tiny particles in the air. This made it hard for people with breathing problems. To help, the area started checking vehicle emissions every year in 2010.

There are also projects to make Atlanta greener. The BeltLine and Atlantic Station create spaces for people to live, work, and enjoy the area. In 2009, the Virginia-Highland neighborhood became the first in the United States to balance its carbon footprint. Local businesses supported a forest project in rural Georgia.